Benny Goodman was born on May 30, 1909 into an impoverished immigrant family in Chicago, Illinois.His father encouraged him and his brothers to learn musical instruments.(4)As the youngest, Benny took lessons on the clarinet at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue and later at Jane Addams’ Hull House. He displayed great talent in his teen years and, by the age of 14, he was able to belong to the American Federation of Musicians.(2)He also played with Bix Beiderbecke, a famous cornetist, in a band at this time.By age 16, Benny Goodman was asked to join a California band with Ben Pollack, and they recorded several songs. (4) In 1934, Benny went to audition at The Music Hall, a new theater restaurant, and was hired as a Jazz musician, but this was short-lived.He later found out that NBC was hiring a band for a new Saturday night show “Let’s Dance” and was successful in forming a band that developed his new style, which became known as Swing. (3) The show broadcasted for about six months, and then Benny looked for a new avenue to explore.He started a cross-country tour, which was a disaster, until their last stop at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles, where record numbers of people came to listen to them perform. (2) This place and time is credited with the beginnings of the “swing era”.The band played for two months in Los Angeles before returning east to entertain in Chicago and New York City. (1) By twenty years old, Benny Goodman was the leader of his own pit orchestra and he was considered a huge success by age 28. (2) Over the years, Benny had established various musical groups, such as quartets, trios, and small bands.He also was able to be the first Jazz band to take the stage at Carnegie Music Hall. (2) Benny Goodman continued to experience many successes throughout his life and has been given credit for the “Big Band” legacy along with establishing increased importance on the use of the clarinet in Jazz and Classical music.The style he developed with Jazz is used still today. Benny Goodman died on June 30, 1986 alone in his own home at age seventy-seven.
Biography of Benny Goodman
Born: May 30, 1909
Died: June 30, 1986
Benny Goodman was born on May 30, 1909 into an impoverished immigrant family in Chicago, Illinois. His father encouraged him and his brothers to learn musical instruments.(4) As the youngest, Benny took lessons on the clarinet at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue and later at Jane Addams’ Hull House. He displayed great talent in his teen years and, by the age of 14, he was able to belong to the American Federation of Musicians.(2) He also played with Bix Beiderbecke, a famous cornetist, in a band at this time. By age 16, Benny Goodman was asked to join a California band with Ben Pollack, and they recorded several songs. (4)
In 1934, Benny went to audition at The Music Hall, a new theater restaurant, and was hired as a Jazz musician, but this was short-lived. He later found out that NBC was hiring a band for a new Saturday night show “Let’s Dance” and was successful in forming a band that developed his new style, which became known as Swing. (3) The show broadcasted for about six months, and then Benny looked for a new avenue to explore. He started a cross-country tour, which was a disaster, until their last stop at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles, where record numbers of people
Benny Goodman continued to experience many successes throughout his life and has been given credit for the “Big Band” legacy along with establishing increased importance on the use of the clarinet in Jazz and Classical music. The style he developed with Jazz is used still today. Benny Goodman died on June 30, 1986 alone in his own home at age seventy-seven.
Works Consulted
1. “Benny Goodman.” Geocities. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.geocities.com/glennmiller2005/bg>.
2. "Benny Goodman." Just the Swing. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.just-the-swing.com/bio/benny-goodman>
3. "Biographies." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/goodman_b.html>
4. "The Official Site of Benny Goodman King of Swing." Benny Goodman. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.bennygoodman.com/community/tribute.html>